Here is a collection of books on wood carving. These books will cover topics such as tools, projects, materials, information, and techniques.

Book Index Page

Power Tool Woodcarving (by Alan Bridgewater, Gill Bridgewater)

"The book will help readers mightily....The projects outlined are clearly laid out, the instructions for them easy to follow. The projects are politically correctly multicultural, too, for they include an African art object, traditional American art objects, a Native American art object, a French art object, and, yes, even an Icelandic art object."--Booklist. Bonus: The ratings of various manufacturers' models, and helpful descriptions of tool types available, are included. 164 pages (4 in color), 503 b/w illus., 8 3/8 x 11.

Wood has traditionally been a common medium for rendering religious icons such as the Christian cross, and this carving book offers 33 patterns for carving images central to different faith traditions. Covered are the basics and theory of relief carving as well as instructions on how to create an original pattern. Workspace, proper lighting, safety, and wood storage are discussed.

Kurt Koch is a master woodcarver from Germany and the inventor of the Koch Sharpening System.

From the most basic carving exercises to classic ornamental designs, this skill-building instructional guide provides an interactive overview of basic carving instructions and tools, while progressively offering more complex elements. Techniques such as carving with and against the grain and concave and convex carving are covered. An ornamental carving, the project through which concepts are introduced, can be used to accent any mantel, headboard, or picture frame.

72 pages.

Bill Janney has appeared on PBS's American Woodshop and is a featured demonstrator at Cabela's, a national hunting store. He lives in Middletown, Ohio.

Arts, crafts, and items for home décor in the American Folk Art tradition have recently surged in popularity. Woodcarvers can create appealing wooden works of art in this style with these thorough instructions. In addition to the 15 artful patterns, this book features in-depth techniques and an overview of the tools necessary to complete each project. Woodworkers will learn through step-by-step instructions how to carve angels, cats, Santas, snowmen, moons, and wizards.

Using step-by-step photographs, this book shows woodworkers how to correctly position the ears and hair on carvings, how to create the proper shapes, and how to correct common design mistakes. Also included is information on anatomy to help carvers understand the shape and proportion of the head so that the ultimate wood projects are more realistic, with better placed ears and hair. Additional information is given on specific techniques for carving various styles and textures of hair, carving tools, carving wood, and reference material.

Woodworkers of all skill levels will find inspiration and practical advice in this collection of the wisdom of 30 expert woodcarvers who create their art exclusively from found materials. Each artist is highlighted through extensive interviews, beautiful photographs of finished work, and step-by-step instructions for the techniques used. Topics include the qualities of a variety of woods, where to find usable wood, how to work with cracks and knots, and what tools are needed to make the best of what nature has to offer.

Carving realistic facial features poses a challenge to even the most experienced carver. Through step-by-step photographs, this guide shows woodworkers how to correctly position the eyes on a carving, how to create the proper shapes, and how to correct common design mistakes. Carvers will be able to more accurately carve lashes, brows, and pupils. Also discussed is information on anatomy to help carvers better understand how the muscles of the face dictate expression. Details on carving tools, carving wood, and reference material are included as well.

Woodcarving remains one of the most popular crafts in the U.S. and continues to grow inpopularity. While there are many books on how to carve wood, including Taunton's popular Howto Carve Wood (1985), this book provides inspiration for carvers through original patterns. Anycarver knows that once the technique is mastered, the greatest challenge is finding clear, well-illustrated designs to carve. This book solves that problem by offering a wide variety of
carefully detailed drawings of designs especially suited to carving. Trained in European carving and drawing techniques, artist/author Lora Irish presents an extensive library of ornamental designs with a traditional look. Included here are classic ornamental motifs from 18th century and other period furniture as well as original designs by the author. The motifs include line designs, triangular designs, square and rectangular designs, circular and oval designs,
S- and C-curve designs, mirror-image designs, and free-form designs. The book can be used in number of ways: The drawings can be adapted to the carver's preference or used directly as patterns, easily enlarged by photocopying and transferred directly to the wood to be carved. The patterns can also be used in other woodcrafts including woodburning and woodpainting.

Book Index Page